Biz Jets, Ag Flying, GA etc.The place for discussion of issues related to corporate, Ag and GA aviation. If you're a professional pilot and don't fly for the airlines then try here.
Any other guys who are operating in Nigeria have any comments...? If it is as bad as people say, what keeps you there? Maybe there are some good points!!??
Nigeria is unsafe in general, but you can get by. Some places in Abudja, Kano or Lagos seem to be viable, but never believe that! Never forget, 95% of the population has nothing, while they believe you do. In many people's eyes their own life has no value, not talking about your. No need to move around with guards, but a trustfull driver is a must. Don't expect low cost accomodation when looking for safety. Rely on referrences in any case. Good luck, and bail out as possible!
I've been working in Nigeria for about 1 Year based in ABV. After like 3 Month I was sick of it... Safety in the Hotels is ok, but you never really know... As said having a Driver who's not gonna kill you with his driving is a huge need (there are no rules basically... ) Flyingwise it is an adventure most of the time. ABV and LAG Approach is ok most of the time, but LAG Control is just overloaded and getting through for decent or clime is horrible, specially if your destination is not LAG. So you'll get clearences like "visual TCAS Descent FL..." ... I would never do it again unless there is NO other job worldwide available for years... think about it before you are stuck down there..
My biggest piece of advice is to get paid in advance and ensure you don't have to pay out yourself personally as it can be a long wait to get re-imbursed.
Get a decent rotation, especially if on the GLEX.
There are plenty of corporate aircraft out there and plenty of crews. I think most people last about 2 years, some shorter and some haven't/wont leave. Also, there are plenty of ex-pats out there and you'll pick up their 'local' advice.
The basic infrastructure isn't there. Don't expect anything and you wont be disappointed.
Most of the aircraft aren't on the Nigerian register and the owners like to send their aircraft to the big MRO's so most aircraft are well looked after.
If the terrorists continue or even attack ex-pats then a lot of ex-pats will leave. The aircraft owners will have to significantly increase their pay to retain some of their crews.
its a hot, sticky place that wrecks aeroplanes and drains your spirit of the will to live. I don't stick my hands up into the nooks and crannys that I used to on a walk round because I met quite a big lizard one day in the nose gear bay. Take a serious torch - invest in a lenser. Carry test kits for malaria - have a flu jab before you go so that if you start feeling rubbish you can rule flu out.. Take malarone if you can (it gives me terrible headaches). Malarone can be used as a treatment as well as a preventative measure (will scan the leaflet and send it to you if you want). In the south the main threats seem to be robbing and mugging but I don't know anyone that its happened to personally. It hasnt happened to any of our crew. In the north there is a perceived threat from Boko Harem but its very hard to work out how serious this threat is. Try to find out who you are flying - flying charter out there means you don't know if your passenger has enemies and that can be bad news. You do need to be careful going out and about but its not impossible (money belt and a second wallet with not much in it is a good plan in case you have to hand one over). Again, this hasn't happened to me or anyone I know down there. Be careful in bars where there are nightfighters (pretty much all of them) as they sometimes pay the staff to spike drinks and then you're in trouble. There is no way to avoid unwanted contact from them. Wear a cricket box... Its quite nice to get to know other crews working down there because you can go a bit stir crazy working with the same people all the time - PM if you want any more specific info
They are horrible. Like flies on sh*t they buzz around you as soon as you enter any bar. They grab your nuts to get your attention. They follow you into the toilets and offer anything you want when all you want is a wee. They face tackle you legs akimbo if you try to leave. If you are stupid enough to do anything you will lose your wallet and gain a virus. They are disease laden sex pests - a bit like the blonde pilot from EBJ but female and black. As the man that teaches the windshear course at Flight Safety Wichita one said - don't go there..
Friend returned home, no pay and company refusing to pay flight ticket home which was part of contract 4 weeks on 2 weeks off, 10th Sept flights cancelled with Air Nigeria so had buy expensive ticket with other airline. Make sure your paid well and upfront,12K is min for capt and take advice from all other posts on this forum, best find other work elsewhere if you can.
Ah, cheers for that Tom......didn't realise it was that bad down there - jeeez, sounds like a complete nightmare ! by the way, can't think of who you meant with the blonde EBJ'er comment lol......"carried" away ?! hehe
Not a pilot but have provided security for oil company interests several times and I have to say give me the middle east any time, even some of the more hostile areas. Basically whenever we were out of the hotel, armed guards at all times, and unless they were provided by ourselves or another company I trust, I can't say I ever felt safe with them. I treated it at times like a conflict zone as after night that’s pretty much what it is, kidnapping as mentioned is rife though they are after money so if paid up you will get released. It was mentioned on older dollars than 2004, I would go so far to say as try and get newer than that. If at the time the contracts were not business critical there is not a chance in hell you would get me there.
The hotel complex was about the safest place, and the about of thieves is massive, one of my employees had most of their clothes stolen, which to be honest I found a bit disheartening as my wardrobe was not even good enough to steal. It’s an experience to say the least but unless the money was to good to turn down, I rather have my safety.
There are two countries in Africa that I won't work for any amount of money. Congo-Kinshasha and Nigeria. Nigeria is an order of magnitude worse than CK.
Normally when I work in a difficult country, I can find some redeeming feature. I know of NONE for Nigeria.
